Portfolio entrepreneurial processes in the context of individual ventures: exploratory findings from high technology industry

Abstract

Ever since MacMillan's (1986) call to study habitual entrepreneurs, much has been learned about the differences between novice and habitual entrepreneurs as well as the differences between serial and portfolio entrepreneurs. This study attempts to go beyond the traditional analysis of portfolio entrepreneurs based on either firm or entrepreneur level. We try to open the black box of individual ventures launched by portfolio entrepreneurs so as to provide a street-level view of what is really happening at individual ventures. Since what, how, and why entrepreneurs do may vary significantly by individual type of ventures they launch, findings from our study, at the micro level of individual venture, should contribute toward better understanding of portfolio entrepreneurial processes. In view of a very limited amount of past research done at the micro level of individual ventures, however, we rely on in-depth interviews with four successful entrepreneurs from high technology industry in Korea to generate findings and insights.